When most people talk about working out their core, they are talking about doing crunches, sit-ups or Russian twists, basically working their abdominals (abs). The core is so much more than just the abs and many people neglect to really work the rest of the core. The core consists of the abs, mid and lower back, hips and glutes. All of these parts of the body are important to aid in full body movement, walking and maintaining correct posture. That is why it is important to make sure the core is strong and steady. The core can be strengthened by consistent strength training and stretching.
The importance of a strong core
The strong core is not only important for efficient full body movement, but also for giving the body a taller, leaner look. A strong core will also reduce lower back pain and delay the aging process by making sure the spine stays correctly aligned. When standing, a strong core helps in keeping the upright position comfortably and reduces slouching.
Ways to obtain a strong core
There are some very basic ways to obtain a strong core. Some of them are:
- Planks
- Push-ups
- Oblique twists
- Superman
- Squats
- Lunges
All of these exercises can be done in the home with or without weights and with programs such as Pilates and/or yoga. They can be done two or three times a week to achieve desirable results of obtaining that strong core.
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